Mallorca slows down when you sail on a catamaran. This Palma Bay cruise takes you past Cap Enderrocat and Cala Vella, then anchors you for swimming and snorkeling time. It’s the kind of trip where the sea does the entertainment.

Two things I really like: the schedule gives you a meaningful water break (about 90 minutes at the anchor spot), and the boat includes snorkeling gear plus life vests. You can jump in, float, or snorkel without needing to book extra rentals.

The main thing to think about is logistics and crowding. The meeting spot at Playa del Arenal can be confusing to find, and because the catamaran can be popular, space on deck can get competitive.

Key things to know before you go

• Cap Enderrocat is a standout for photos from the catamaran’s deck and viewpoints.
• A real swim window is built in, with time to relax on board and in the water.
• Snorkeling gear and life vests are included, so you’re not stuck shopping last minute.
• With BBQ option = lunch and a drink, plus pasta salad and local bread.
• Music changes the mood on the return trip, so pick your seat if you want quieter sailing.
• Plan for meeting-point confusion and arrive early for an easier start.

Palma Bay by Catamaran: What Makes This Cruise Work

This cruise is built around one simple idea: spend a few hours on a modern sailing catamaran, then let yourself forget the rest of your day. You sail through Palma Bay and along the coast toward places like Cap Enderrocat and Cala Vella, which are described as protected environmental areas. That matters because it usually means calmer, clearer-looking water and coves that feel more “natural stop” than tourist-pulled beach.

At about $47 per person for a 2–4 hour outing, you’re paying for more than transport. You’re getting a boat cruise plus a proper swim stop and snorkeling equipment. And if you choose the With BBQ option, you also get a meal and one included drink—so you’re not scrambling to find lunch or add extra boat-time later.

I like that the vibe is consistently relaxed. Even when the music gets lively, it still feels like a sea day you can actually enjoy—no rushing, no “you must see X attraction by Y time.”

Getting There at Playa del Arenal Without Stress

The cruise meets at Playa del Arenal. You’ll see a sign with the local partner name as you make your way down to the beach where the kiosk is.

Here’s the practical part: don’t treat the meeting point like a GPS guess. Several people said directions can feel unclear, so I’d rather you arrive early and walk straight to the kiosk area instead of waiting until the last minute. If you’re traveling with friends, agree on a landmark close to the kiosk, because once you’re in the sand-and-street mix, it’s easy to drift the wrong direction.

Also note that there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off. That’s normal for this kind of coastal activity, but it means you’ll want to plan your Palma transportation accordingly. If you’re depending on a ride share, budget extra time for the beach access.

The Sailing Stretch: Palma Bay, Cap Enderrocat, and Cala Vella

Once you depart from the area around the Arenal Nautical Club, the boat heads toward Cap Enderrocat and then Cala Vella. You’re not just “going somewhere”—you’re cruising the coastline in a way that’s hard to replicate from shore.

Cap Enderrocat is the point people keep talking about for scenery and picture opportunities. From the catamaran, you get better angles and more changing light as the boat moves. If you like photography, this is the easiest time to grab shots because everyone is still on board and deck space is less chaotic than during swim moments.

Sailing through protected coastal zones also tends to mean less of the hard-edged tourist bustle you see near big beach hubs. The trade-off is you still don’t get a beach drop-off to wander around on land. This is a boat-forward experience: you see, sail, then you swim from the water.

The Main Event: Anchor Stops, Jump Options, and 90 Minutes in the Water

This is where the trip earns its reputation. The cruise drops anchor and gives you about 90 minutes for swimming or sunbathing. That window is long enough to do a couple of loops: swim, float, take photos, then relax without feeling like you’re always racing back to the boat.

You can typically get into the water in a few ways. Based on on-board experiences, there are stairs for easier entry, plus multiple ledges for jumping. Some swimmers prefer the stairs; some like the thrill of jumping from the stern. If you’re not a strong swimmer, choose the entry that matches your comfort first, then snorkel after.

One more practical note: the sea temperature and conditions can change by season. Even if the water looks perfect, it can still feel cool at first. I’d rather you jump in gradually—especially if you’re bringing a snorkel setup and want to stay calm while adjusting.

Also, this part of the trip is when you’ll want to be ready with your towel. You’ll spend time in swim mode, and then you’ll likely spend time drying off and moving back to the sun decks.

Snorkeling Gear: What’s Included and How to Use It Comfortably

The cruise includes snorkeling equipment and life vests. So you should be able to put together a basic snorkel session without paying extra.

Still, there are two real-world considerations to keep in mind:

1. Fit and comfort matter. A mask that doesn’t seal makes snorkeling less fun fast. If you’ve got your own mask and snorkel that fits well, it can be a comfort upgrade.
2. Hygiene varies by practice. One review pointed out concerns about sanitizing mask and snorkel gear. Since you’re putting your face near shared equipment, consider bringing your own snorkel mask if this is a big deal for you.

When snorkeling works best on this kind of stop, it’s usually because the water is clear and calm where the boat anchors. People also noted fish activity when bread was thrown into the water. That’s not something I’d plan around like it’s guaranteed everywhere, but it’s a good reminder that what you do with your hands and attention matters—watch quietly, move slowly, and don’t kick hard.

If you’re new to snorkeling, keep it simple:

• put on the mask first, breathe slowly
• look forward, not straight down
• stop moving for a few seconds to let your eyes adjust

BBQ and the One Drink: Is With BBQ Worth It?

If you pick the With BBQ option, you get a BBQ on board with pasta salad and local bread, plus one included drink (water, beer, or sangria).

So is it worth it? For me, the value is less about the food being fancy and more about the timing. You’re on the water for hours and you’ve got a built-in swim block; having lunch covered means you don’t waste time later searching for food. Several people said the BBQ portion is substantial enough to feel like a real meal.

That said, food expectations should be realistic:

• The menu leans toward meat-eaters, and some passengers with vegetarian or pescatarian needs found the options more limited than they hoped.
• If you have strict dietary rules, I’d plan around the pasta salad and bread as your core. Don’t count on specialized cooking.

If you skip the BBQ option, you’ll still be on a boat with access to an on-board bar mentioned by passengers. But only the BBQ option clearly includes a drink in the package.

On-Board Vibe: Space, Music, and How to Choose Your Spot

This isn’t a silent glass-of-wine cruise. Music is part of the experience, and one review described DJ music on board. Many people loved the energy, especially on the way back.

At the same time, this catamaran can host large groups. One person noted around 80 passengers on a Sunday sailing. That’s enough people to make deck space feel like a limited resource. Some trips feel roomy; others feel crowded depending on the day and how early people arrive.

Here’s my practical advice:

• If you want a calmer experience, pick a spot that’s not right where the crowd naturally gathers.
• If you want shade, plan early. Sun decks can fill quickly once the boat is anchored and people spread out.
• If you’re sensitive to smoke smells (a complaint came up for one return portion), avoid hanging out at the back area.

Also, the boat includes opportunities to jump, ledges, and easy movement around the deck. People said it felt safe with life vests available and crew members keeping things organized.

What to Bring (and One Tiny Hack That Helps)

You’ll want the basics:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable clothes

Then add one “small but smart” item: a phone holder with a strap. One review specifically suggested this for easier photos, especially during the swim-stop moments when people are more spread out. It’s also safer than trying to hold your phone in awkward angles while you’re trying to enjoy the sea.

If snorkeling matters to you, consider bringing your own snorkel mask if hygiene and fit are concerns. If you’re traveling with friends and sharing gear, make sure everyone can access what they need without delay—time at anchor moves fast.

Who This Cruise Is Best For

This is a great match if you want:

• a short, satisfying sea day without complicated planning
• swimming plus optional snorkeling
• a laid-back social vibe with music and a light party feel on the return

It also works well as a group activity—friends, bachelorette groups, and people who just want to relax together.

It’s not a great choice if you:

• need wheelchair accessibility (the cruise is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users)
• want a totally quiet, slow-paced experience with no lively on-board atmosphere
• have strict dietary needs and consider BBQ-based meals non-negotiable

Should You Book This Palma Catamaran Cruise?

Yes, you should book it if you want an efficient value play: boat cruise + snorkeling gear + a real swim window for around a few hours, with the option to add BBQ and a drink. The overall tone—relaxed, organized, and easy—fits the kind of activity you can drop into a Palma schedule without it turning into a stressful excursion.

I’d think twice if you’re picky about shared snorkeling equipment hygiene or you want a guaranteed quiet trip. In those cases, bring your own mask and choose your seating early.

If you book, do two things and you’ll set yourself up for a smooth day: arrive early to get your bearings at Playa del Arenal, and bring a towel and sunscreen so the 90-minute anchor break feels like vacation, not gear management.

FAQ

How long is the Palma catamaran cruise?

The duration is listed as 2 to 4 hours, depending on the selected departure time. Check availability to see the starting times.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is at Playa del Arenal. You’ll see a sign with the name of the local partner as you travel down to the beach where the kiosk is.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What’s included with the cruise?

Included items are the boat cruise, a stop for swimming, snorkeling equipment, and life vests.

Do you get time to swim and snorkel?

Yes. There is a stop for swimming, and the experience includes snorkeling with the provided equipment. You can also sunbathe during the anchored break.

Is the BBQ included?

BBQ is included only if you select the option labeled With BBQ.

What drinks are included with the BBQ option?

If you choose the With BBQ option, you receive one drink of water, beer, or sangria.

What should I bring to the boat?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Bonus: Cancellation and planning flexibility

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later to keep plans flexible.

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